Kocky's Bar and Grill

Fresno State Alumni Michael Smith and James O'Donnell had a dollar and dream. The two friends and fraternity brothers became successful party/club promoters in the college scene, but realized this wasn't a sustainable career choice. So Smith and O'Donnell decided to put their marketing degrees to good use, cashing in their chips to open Kocky's Bar and Grill. The name is an homage to their fraternity known for being confident and cocky as well as spelling things with the letter 'K'. Kocky's Bar and Grill, opened in August of 2011, is located in the heart of downtown Fresno and aims to sell the best wings in town. The two entrepreneurs quickly learned from the critics that they couldn't just buy frozen food and throw it in the fryer or on the grill. O'Donnell and Smith read their reviews online and decided to go different direction. Collaborating with their experienced chef, the two experimented with recipes in the kitchen to develop their own unique flavor.